Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Get swept away by the beauty of Aarti & Kishen’s wedding on the Platinum Guide Blog.

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Mehak & Bhavin’s Southern California celebration is exactly that kind of experience—a wedding that wasn’t just captured, but felt, frame by frame. From the vibrant sangeet to the sacred ceremony at BAPS Temple LA and a stunning beachfront reception at The Waterfront Beach Resort, this multi-day celebration unfolded like a cinematic love story—one that Balerina Films brought to life with movement, emotion, and storytelling that lingers long after the final scene.

Because this, Maharani brides, is a video feature—and trust us, you’re going to want to hit replay.

The festivities began with a high-energy sangeet at R Banquet, where the tone was set immediately: bold, joyful, and unapologetically celebratory. With planning and design by Preevents, every moment flowed seamlessly, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

And when the music started? It didn’t stop. DJ Fresh took over the night, delivering beats that turned the dance floor into the heartbeat of the celebration. From choreographed performances to spontaneous dance-offs, the energy was infectious—the kind of night where “just one more song” turns into hours of non-stop dancing.

Mehak’s looks throughout the weekend were nothing short of iconic. For her bridal ensemble, she wore Anita Dongre, bringing a sense of refined elegance and timeless craftsmanship to her wedding day. Her beauty looks, created by Makeup by Dina, Drea V Makeup, and Farah with the Good Hair, were flawlessly executed—each one enhancing her natural glow while complementing the distinct vibe of every event. And let's not forget about Neha Assar, who created an incredible mehndi design worth the incredible images.

Of course, no South Asian wedding is complete without unforgettable food, and Natraj delivered a culinary experience that guests won’t soon forget. Rich flavors, comforting classics, and a menu that kept everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds) made every event as delicious as it was memorable.

And that’s what makes this feature so special. From the vibrant sangeet to the sacred temple ceremony to a reception that danced into the night, Mehak & Bhavin’s wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and connection—brought to life through cinematic storytelling that will be cherished for years to come.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Ours began quietly with a swipe, a typo, and perfect timing.
We met the way many modern love stories do: online. When Bhavin’s profile first appeared on my screen, his name actually read “Bryan.” It was almost a miss, but something about him felt genuine and familiar. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and what began as casual messages soon turned into something we both looked forward to each day.

From the very beginning, there was an ease between us, laughter, honesty, and a sense of comfort that didn’t need explanation. As time passed, it became clear that what we were building was more than romance. Bhavin was steady, thoughtful, and deeply supportive, the kind of partner who feels like home. We grew together through shared values, everyday moments, and a bond rooted in trust and friendship.

When Bhavin proposed, it felt less like a surprise and more like a natural continuation of a journey that had always felt aligned. What began with a simple swipe and a miswritten name had quietly grown into a love filled with intention, patience, and partnership.

During our wedding ceremony, one moment captured the essence of everything we believe marriage to be. We touched each other’s feet, a ritual traditionally symbolic of respect and humility. But for us, it held a deeper meaning. It was a mutual gesture, an unspoken promise that there would be no hierarchy between us. Only equality, gratitude, and reverence. In that moment, we honored not just tradition, but each other, choosing to bow not out of obligation, but out of love.

Today, as husband and wife, we carry that same quiet certainty forward — grateful that our story began in the most modern of ways, yet led us to something timeless, sacred, and deeply rooted in respect.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We wanted to create something that felt intentional and deeply meaningful rather than just visually beautiful. The inspiration behind our Singapore mandap was rooted in the idea of welcome a space where every guest felt embraced, united, and genuinely happy to be together. While aesthetics naturally mattered, our true focus was on creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, love, and connection. During this time, I was balancing two jobs, and we had just welcomed a new puppy into our lives, making the planning process one of the most demanding seasons we’ve experienced yet, also one of the most rewarding. Bhavin was deeply involved every step of the way, thoughtfully supporting and shaping our vision alongside me. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were equally involved, with countless conversations and shared excitement as we brought the details to life together. Meanwhile, my parents stood firmly behind us, ensuring that any support we needed, emotional or financial, was given wholeheartedly.

Maharanis, if you’ve ever wondered whether wedding videography is worth it, let this be your answer.

Discover the beauty of Lalita & Tushar’s big day—now featured on the Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We started our romance virtually and met for the first with a Facetime. Tushar and I facetimed for a few months before we met in person. We bonded over many shared interests and had similar goals. Before we met in person, months later, we both knew that this was going to grow into something meaningful.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
While dating, Tushar lived in Orlando, and I lived in Queens, so we made it a priority to see each other at least twice a month. In October 2023, I planned to visit him for the weekend of October 14th, but he unexpectedly told me he couldn’t because his best friend would be in town. I had no idea that this was part of a much bigger plan—Tushar and his family were actually flying to Queens to surprise me.

On the day of the proposal, my sister began giving me a series of gifts and handwritten notes that Tushar had left for me the night before. Each one built anticipation for what I thought was just a thoughtful gesture. Later, a hair and makeup artist arrived at my home to get me ready for what I believed were simple evening plans.

A few hours later, Tushar arrived and told me we were heading into Manhattan for dinner. Still unaware of what was coming, I followed along as he led me to a private rooftop with a direct view of the Empire State Building. There, surrounded by the city skyline and with our favorite songs playing in the background, he got down on one knee and proposed.

Afterward, we called our families and had a private photoshoot on the rooftop to capture the moment. When we returned home, I was surprised once again—our closest family and friends were there waiting to celebrate with us. My best friend had even flown in from Miami to be there.

It was a day carefully planned and filled with meaningful surprises, ending in a celebration with the people we love most.

Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
I poured my heart into customizing the wedding day. I definitely knew I wanted a statement Mandap. Initially, I was going to do a smaller Mandap that focused more on the structure of the Mandap, and less on the florals, but as we got closer to the wedding, we wanted a Mandap that complemented the outdoor scenery so we changed the design. I am very happy we made that change because it set the tone for the wedding decor. On the wedding day, we wanted color, so we selected yellow, pink, and orange, which worked well with the different outfits we had.

I had a hard time visualizing what would look good on me and what I loved in terms of makeup, outfits, and hair. Therefore, I had a lot of trial and error. I am so thankful for the various vendors that worked with us to help us figure out the right style.

When we looked for venues, we tried to select venues where we felt the staff were accommodating and would give our friends and family a great experience. Guyanese Hindu weddings have a very involved timeline and sequence of events, which we tried to honor. Therefore, it was important to find a venue that would be conducive to that. Fortunately, we found a beautiful venue that did so, Crest Hollow. Additionally, we thought the team at Jericho Terrace were welcoming of Guyanese weddings, so we felt comfortable working with their team for our reception. As an added bonus, I had caught the bouquet at that venue years ago, at a family wedding. Lastly, while it would have been fun and different to select a venue in the city, we tried to pick places that were easy for our guests to travel to because we knew we wanted them to save their energy to party.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went into my wedding shopping trying to buy pieces that I couldn't wear if I were not a bride.

For my main wedding ceremony, I knew I wanted a red and gold outfit. There were no exceptions.

In Guyanese Hindu ceremonies, the bride usually comes out first and does a ceremony with her mom and family members. The bride would typically wear yellow here. I initially thought I was not going to do yellow here, and instead do pink, my favorite color. However, once I tried on a yellow, I was sold on yellow. At Nazranaa, I selected a burgundy outfit and worked with the team to customize it and change the base color to yellow.

My aunt, who is like my second mother, was with me for most of my shopping. She spotted a red lengha with a beautiful train and said I should try it on. Once I tried it on, there were no other considerations. That was the lengha. I ended up making a few changes, but overall kept most of the original design.

Prior to my engagement, I thought I was going to go to India for my wedding shopping. However, after shopping at Nazranaa for my engagement outfit, which I loved, I decided to return to Nazranaa because they were very reliable, had great tailoring, and understood my style.

My wedding dress shopping was a bit different and harder. I had no idea what my dream dress was. I knew I wanted a silhouette that only a bride could wear, and since I was going to wear this for my reception, I wanted a bit of sparkle. I was that girl who tried on a hundred dresses but could not decide. However, I ultimately decided on my Ines Di Santo dress when my aunt saw it on a mannequin and asked me to try it on. Once I tried it on, I loved how it fit me and while it had sparkle, it was not too overwhelming. Overall, I loved Vera Wang and Ines Di Santo the most.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Shopping for the outfits was very fun! All of the stores and boutiques we worked with were so helpful. I enjoyed selecting accessories and finding unique pieces.

Booking the various artists was also very fun. We were lucky they were available and able to perform during our wedding weekend.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think our guests were in love with the venue and Mandap on our wedding day. Additionally, we had many popular West Indian artists throughout the wedding weekend. Many guests were excited to see those artists perform live.

Traditionally, the family would prepare a spread called "seven curry", which includes 7 curries for the wedding day. However, at a venue, that is not possible. Leading up to the wedding, we sampled seven curry from many different vendors. However, Fazee's Delight was our favorite, and our guests loved the seven curry.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I knew Tushar used to play the harmonium growing up, so I always asked him to sing, but he never did. However, on our wedding day, under the Mandap, he sang part of a song we used to listen to together for me. It was such a surprise, and I felt so loved during that moment. He was so brave to do that in front of everyone.

For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
For our henna/sangeet night, we transformed my home yard into a colorful, enchanted garden. We did many traditional outfits and customs for most of the wedding weekend, so on this day we tried to have fun. Tushar and I wore lavender outfits with pearls. I tried to find unique foods and decided to have Bubble Tea served fresh on the day for our guests. We also had a live band, the Angels Caribbean Band, featuring Geeta Bisram. They sang many Bollywood, Soca, and Chutney songs. They were so good that some people didn't realize it was a live band.

I considered doing the henna/sangeet at a venue to make logistics easier. However, I love the intimacy and the energy of having the henna/sangeet night at home, and ultimately decided that would work best for us.

On our reception day, the final day, we had a surprise Ravi B performance. He was great! During the reception, he had such great energy and engaged all of our guests, even those who didn't know anything about soca music. What's great about Ravi B is that he has a lot of range - he did Soca, Chutney, Bollywood, Pop, and Reggaeton! He made us feel really special, and he was so kind to our guests after the performance.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If you are like me and have trouble visualizing elements of your wedding, give yourself sufficient time to try on outfits, visit venues, and decor studios. It helps to see things in person rather than on a Pinterest board.

Get a planner and a day of coordinator! Even if you are a type-A bride, it will be helpful.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I loved the drama of a long veil for both my wedding and reception day. On my wedding day, my red lengha had a long train, and my veil was also long. Prior to walking down the aisle, my sister and cousin performed to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. They did such a great job, and I was so impressed, considering they learned this choreography in a few weeks. Thank you to International Dancer Zaman for putting together this entrance dance for them.

Music and live performances were at the heart of the celebration, with performances by Rakesh Yankaran, Ravi B, Angels Caribbean Band featuring Geeta Bisram, Randy Recklez, Babloe Shankar, and Vishale Samlall helping shape the atmosphere throughout

Your own extraordinary wedding story could be next. Explore our Platinum Guide for trusted vendors.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a Telugu wedding unfolding inside a 12th-century Italian castle—lavender silk catching the golden Umbrian light, dhol echoing through stone archways, and 100 of your favorite humans living together like one big joyous sleepover—Apoorva & Harsha just set the standard.

Their love story reads like a screenplay with a perfectly timed second act. A blind date set up by family friends sparked something immediate—Apoorva knew Harsha was special, even if she couldn’t quite explain why. Then life intervened. He moved across the country. They lost touch for nearly two years. And then, fate (clearly invested in this story) brought him back. Their “second first date” sealed it. They both knew marriage was no longer a question of if—but when.

Day one began with a traditional Pellikuthuru ceremony, honoring Telugu heritage with reverence and joy. Surrounded by the rustic beauty of Castello di Rosciano, ancient stone walls contrasted beautifully with vibrant Indian textiles and ceremonial elements. The planning team at Best Indian Weddings Italy expertly balanced South Indian traditions with the venue’s historic elegance, ensuring that nothing felt forced or overly stylized. The evening transitioned into a welcome pizza party—because when you’re in Italy, you lean in. Guests gathered under the Umbrian sky, laughing over wood-fired slices, prosecco flowing, conversations stretching long into the night.

Fiore All’Occhiello di Alessandro Piacenza designed florals that felt intentionally restrained yet impactful—allowing the architecture and landscape to breathe while layering in color, softness, and movement.

Apoorva’s bridal look deserves its own standing ovation. Long before planning began, she knew one thing: her wedding saree would be lavender. Not traditional for a Telugu bride—but deeply personal. It’s her husband’s favorite color, and she wanted to surprise him. The lavender saree shimmered against the Italian sunlight, styled impeccably with jewelry and draping by Francesca Gallina, who also brought her artistry to bridal mehndi. Apoorva describes herself as still obsessing over her wedding photos—and frankly, we understand why.

Pamela Sanchez and Margarita Ocampo completed her look with flawless hair and makeup styling that enhanced—not overshadowed—her natural glow. The result was regal, romantic, and entirely unforgettable. Harsha’s reaction during their first look confirmed it: he didn’t guess the color. And he loved it.

The baraat was pure joy. Mony (Dhol in Italy) brought high-energy beats that reverberated through castle corridors, proving that even medieval stone can handle a proper Indian celebration. Queen of Weddings added live music elements that layered European elegance into the festivities, while Prit On The Beat ensured the dance floor energy never dipped. By the time the reception was underway, it was clear: this wasn’t just a wedding. It was an experience.

Fashion Studio captured every sun-drenched, emotion-filled moment with cinematic precision. Their photography and cinematography feel immersive, textured, and deeply romantic—perfectly reflecting the tone of a castle celebration layered in culture and intimacy. One of the most unforgettable elements? Personal letters were written to each guest, serving as place cards at the reception. Watching loved ones open their envelopes, read their notes, and grow visibly emotional was one of Apoorva’s favorite memories. It transformed a beautiful reception into something deeply intimate and personal.

And perhaps that’s the magic of weddings like this one. They aren’t just events. They’re layered experiences that continue unfolding long after the final dance.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
It was kind of a blind date set up by our family friends, and I knew right away he was special, but I didn't know how. After our second date, he moved across the country and we lost touch for almost 2 years. He moved back and we reconnected and from that second first date, we both knew we were going to get married.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Our proposal was honestly so surreal that I still can't believe he did all this for me. He knew that I am a huge aviation nerd, ever since I was little, I've been obsessed with everything and anything planes and flying. So he plotted with my sister to think of a fake story and flew me across the country to San Francisco where my sister lives. He had rented a private plane with a pilot who flew us across the Golden Gate Bridge and landed at a small airport near the beach where he proposed to me on the runway. It was the most thoughtful, personal, insane thing anyone's ever done for me.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Since before we even started planning the wedding, I knew I wanted my wedding saree to be lavender. It's not a traditional Telugu wedding saree color, but it's my husband's favorite color and I wanted to surprise him with it. We went to India about 6 months before the wedding to shop, and I dragged my mom around to 6 or 7 different stores because I wanted a particular shade of purple. I'm sure the store staff thought I was crazy for being so picky, but I finally found the absolute perfect saree, so it all paid off. My husband didn't guess the color and loved it when he saw me for the first time during our first look. My wedding day look, with the jewelry and hair, came out even better than I ever imagined and I am so obsessed with it even now, I keep looking at photos from that day because of how much I loved it.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The one thing that we keep hearing from all of our guests is how intimate the wedding felt. It's really hard to make an Indian wedding feel so intimate since they're usually so big, but that was our biggest priority and we're so happy we made it happen. Our guests were our very closest people and it was amazing to see both sides meet and become one family over the 3 days. They loved that we were all staying together in the castle and it just felt like one big ongoing sleepover. As for details, we wrote personal letters to each guest which served as their place cards during the reception. Our guests still tell us how special and beautiful that was, and one of my favorite memories is watching everyone open their letters and read them during the reception and get visibly emotional.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
There were so many special moments and I can't pick one as the best, but one moment that I constantly think about is my first look with my girls. I didn't do bridesmaids, but these girls are who I would've picked if I did. My sister, my closest cousins, and my best friends (one even joined on FaceTime because she was pregnant and couldn't come to the wedding). I got so emotional when I turned around and they were all standing there because they are the ones who have seen me through all the phases of my life and have heard about my husband since the moment I met him. So this moment felt so surreal and special and I will treasure the memory forever.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
No matter how much you try, you're going to feel like you wish you were more present during the wedding days. I feel like I did everything right to prepare myself from getting stressed and lost in all the action, but the hard truth is that most of my time was spent in the makeup chair or taking pictures, and right after the wedding, I feel like I didn't remember a single thing. However, as you start talking to your guests after the wedding about everything that happened, and you get your photos and videos back, you realize you remember more than you think. As long as you stay peaceful, trust that everything will turn out the way it's supposed to, and enjoy the small things in the moment, your wedding will turn out to be the most memorable time in your life.
Maharanis, if you’re dreaming of a destination, take notes from Umbria. Choose a magical place. 

Mehak & Bhavin’s Southern California wedding was a masterclass in balance—where sacred tradition, modern glamour, and effortless West Coast energy came together with absolute intention. Spanning multiple venues and moods, their celebration unfolded like a perfectly edited film (fitting, considering who was behind the lens), with each event feeling distinct yet beautifully connected.

The festivities kicked off at R Banquet, where the sangeet set the tone for what was to come: high energy, heartfelt moments, and a dance floor that didn’t believe in closing early. With planning and design led by Preevents, every transition felt seamless—proof that when a planning team is locked in, the couple gets to stay present (and actually enjoy their own wedding).

The ceremony at the serene BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was a striking contrast in the most beautiful way. Surrounded by intricate architecture and spiritual stillness, Mehak & Bhavin’s vows felt grounded, reverent, and deeply meaningful. It was one of those moments where everything slows down—and no one feels the need to check their phone.

Then came the reception glow-up. Hosted at the iconic The Waterfront Beach Resort a Hilton Hotel, the celebration shifted into full coastal glamour. Think ocean breezes, elevated design, and a party that knew exactly when to turn up the volume. Flower Allie brought the spaces to life with florals that felt lush yet refined, striking the perfect balance between romance and modern elegance.

Mehak’s bridal style was unforgettable. Dressed in couture by Anita Dongre, she embodied timeless sophistication with a fresh, contemporary edge. Her beauty looks—crafted by a powerhouse glam team including Makeup by Dina, Drea V Makeup, and Farah with the Good Hair—were flawless from ceremony to final dance, surviving happy tears, nonstop hugs, and a very enthusiastic dance floor.

Guests were treated to a culinary experience by Natraj, delivering flavors that felt comforting, celebratory, and absolutely wedding-worthy. Add in beats by DJ Fresh, and you had a reception that didn’t just invite dancing—it demanded it. Intricate mehndi by Neha Assar added the final layer of artistry, tying tradition into every detail.

Capturing it all was Balerina Films, whose storytelling elevated the entire weekend into something cinematic, emotional, and timeless. Every glance, every laugh, every unscripted moment was preserved with intention—exactly what makes their work stand out as Platinum Guide–level artistry.

Mehak & Bhavin’s wedding is proof that when tradition is honored, vendors are trusted, and the couple leads with clarity, the result is a celebration that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Ours began quietly with a swipe, a typo, and perfect timing.
We met the way many modern love stories do: online. When Bhavin’s profile first appeared on my screen, his name actually read “Bryan.” It was almost a miss, but something about him felt genuine and familiar. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and what began as casual messages soon turned into something we both looked forward to each day.

From the very beginning, there was an ease between us, laughter, honesty, and a sense of comfort that didn’t need explanation. As time passed, it became clear that what we were building was more than romance. Bhavin was steady, thoughtful, and deeply supportive, the kind of partner who feels like home. We grew together through shared values, everyday moments, and a bond rooted in trust and friendship.

When Bhavin proposed, it felt less like a surprise and more like a natural continuation of a journey that had always felt aligned. What began with a simple swipe and a miswritten name had quietly grown into a love filled with intention, patience, and partnership.

During our wedding ceremony, one moment captured the essence of everything we believe marriage to be. We touched each other’s feet, a ritual traditionally symbolic of respect and humility. But for us, it held a deeper meaning. It was a mutual gesture, an unspoken promise that there would be no hierarchy between us. Only equality, gratitude, and reverence. In that moment, we honored not just tradition, but each other, choosing to bow not out of obligation, but out of love.

Today, as husband and wife, we carry that same quiet certainty forward — grateful that our story began in the most modern of ways, yet led us to something timeless, sacred, and deeply rooted in respect.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We wanted to create something that felt intentional and deeply meaningful rather than just visually beautiful. The inspiration behind our Singapore mandap was rooted in the idea of welcome a space where every guest felt embraced, united, and genuinely happy to be together. While aesthetics naturally mattered, our true focus was on creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, love, and connection. During this time, I was balancing two jobs, and we had just welcomed a new puppy into our lives, making the planning process one of the most demanding seasons we’ve experienced yet, also one of the most rewarding. Bhavin was deeply involved every step of the way, thoughtfully supporting and shaping our vision alongside me. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were equally involved, with countless conversations and shared excitement as we brought the details to life together. Meanwhile, my parents stood firmly behind us, ensuring that any support we needed, emotional or financial, was given wholeheartedly.

Darlings, follow along on Instagram for more unforgettable South Asian weddings.